Match Report

England women opened their World Cup campaign with an important victory over China in Madrid - re-establishing their lead twice after equalisers from their opponents.

Slough's Alex Danson and Olton's Lucilla Wright both saw their first-half goals cancelled out before Leicester defender Crista Cullen, making her 50th international appearance, scored the winner from a penalty corner.

The Chinese, ranked fifth in the world, finished second only to Olympic gold medallists Germany in July's Champions Trophy and posed a tough test for Danny Kerry's side.

England contained China's early energy - although they needed some help from the umpires when Ma Yi Bo's ninth-minute penalty corner conversion was ruled out after going in off a team-mate's body.

England struck in the 12th minute when Cullen's free-hit created a goalmouth scramble from which Danson was able to capitalise.